The Federal Government has announced the rescue of the remaining 130 pupils and staff abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, describing the development as a major relief to the nation and the affected families.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said the latest release marked the conclusion of rescue efforts following the November 21, 2025, attack on the boarding school.
“The rescue of the remaining 130 children and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, marks a fitting end to the year,” Idris said.
According to the minister, the freed pupils and staff are being handed over to the Niger State Government ahead of their reunification with their families.
“The just released 130 pupils are being handed over to the Niger State Government, after which they will be reunited with their families,” he stated.
Idris confirmed that with the latest release, no abductee remains in captivity, bringing closure to the tragic incident.
“As it is, the Federal Government can confirm that all the abducted pupils of the Catholic School, Papiri, numbering 230, have been freed. Not a single pupil is left in captivity,” he said.
The minister praised the security agencies for their role in securing the release of the victims, describing the operation as a demonstration of the nation’s resolve to protect its citizens.
“This courageous effort by our security forces reaffirms our nation’s resolve to protect its people,” Idris noted.
He also expressed sympathy with the families affected by the abduction, acknowledging the trauma endured during the period of captivity.
“The Federal Government empathises with the parents and guardians of the pupils for the agony the abduction has caused them, wishes them a pleasant family reunion, a good healing process, compliments of the season and a Merry Christmas,” the minister added.
The pupils were abducted in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when armed men reportedly stormed the school on motorcycles, moved from one dormitory to another, and led their captives into nearby forests.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools across the country.
On December 8, security agencies secured the release of about 100 abductees, leaving others in captivity until the latest breakthrough.
The reported release of the remaining 130 victims brings the total number of rescued pupils and staff to 230, with authorities confirming that all those abducted have now regained their freedom.
